No surgery, I agonized with the same diagnosis. Every neurologist I was evaluated by wanted to fuse my back. My primary care physician would always say no, just wait. My last bout of three months of intense pain I went to a spinal decompression unit from my chiropractor. It was slow going but in the long run it really helped the pain.

I am much better now, I can still exercise and lift weights, no squats. Every morning though starts out bad.

Pain can do terrible things to the spirit and mind.

I am glad to see you on your journey to being pain free! I had a friend go through the fusion procedure here in Texas a few weeks back and she is back at work and doing great after her surgery.

Quoting: FubarMan

I am SO glad that you have gotten some relief and that you've been able to put off surgery for so long! Finding alternatives that work to relieve pain have been tough for me. The epidurals didn't work and didn't last any substantial length of time. Accupuncture was good but only worked for about a day and a half and then the pain was back full force. For whatever reason chiro's haven't really wanted to touch me. IDK if all are different but all the ones i've consulted or talked with won't touch me with the Spondy. When you press on my back or rub the area of L4/L5 you can literally feel and hear the bones crunch together, maybe that has something to do with it? IDK.

Facing surgery is frustrating. I'm only 38, i'm a divorced parent and I love my career. It's a lot to process. I've been off work now for a year because of it and in addition to the pain, that is wearing on me too. Chronic pain is a horrible, horrible demon. It really does effect every aspect of your life. It's not a fun experience by any means.

I am so glad to hear that your friend has recently had a successful surgery! It's always so wonderful and inspiring to hear success stories. They are so few and far between. Seems everyone is happy to talk about the problems they have had vs. the good points. I hope that the therapy you've found will continue to work! I will keep you in my prayers for continued healing and pain free days :) Keep me posted on how you are doing!

"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me" Phillipians 4:13"I shall call upon the name of the Lord who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies" Psalm 18:2-4"In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." Psalm 62:6-8"He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

Surgery although not desirable is sometimes the only option....most surgery (after recovery phase) works well for several months or a few years. However after fusion the cushion of the disc is gone as well as the natural curve of the lower lumbar spine. So different pressure points emerge and increased stress of the lumbar spine and associated joints occurs which can result in re-herniation of different lumbar levels, back pain, sacroiliac, hip pain...........to minimize this potential problem one should lose weight and strengthen core to pick up the slack and stability of the natural disc. Good luck

Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1529028

I am afraid you are right my friend! Surgery sometimes is necessary and the only path toward reducing pain. I am hopeful that I can get at least 10 years of high function after the surgery before more problems occur.

Thanks so much for the warm wishes and advice :)

"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me" Phillipians 4:13"I shall call upon the name of the Lord who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies" Psalm 18:2-4"In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." Psalm 62:6-8"He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

Trixie, wishing you all the best with your surgeries. I can tell you are a strong person, and I have a feeling you'll be back on your feet and feeling great in no time.

NSC SPOKESMAN: Dude, This Was Like Two Years Ago.HOWARD DEAN: Benghazi is a laughable joke. (ARRRRRRRRRRRRR)HELLARY: What difference does it make?CARNEY: Benghazi happened a long time ago.CONGRESSMAN CUMMINGS: Death is a part of life.______________

As long as I am an American citizen and American blood runs in these veins I shall hold myself at liberty to speak, to write, and to publish whatever I please on any subject.” - Elijah Parish Lovejoy(1802-1837)

All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent...Thomas Jefferson

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government...Thomas Jefferson

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty...Thomas Jefferson

Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light...George Washington

"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me" Phillipians 4:13"I shall call upon the name of the Lord who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies" Psalm 18:2-4"In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." Psalm 62:6-8"He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

Trixie, wishing you all the best with your surgeries. I can tell you are a strong person, and I have a feeling you'll be back on your feet and feeling great in no time.

Quoting: truthwillsetyoufreeagain

Thank you SO much my friend! I am a very strong woman, this has tested me though but I suspect i'll come out even stronger on the other side :)

Thank you for the warm wishes and support!

Hugs <3

"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me" Phillipians 4:13"I shall call upon the name of the Lord who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies" Psalm 18:2-4"In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." Psalm 62:6-8"He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

Glad you are going to rehab. They will work you to death, it will be painful, but you will recover sooo much faster!

Quoting: FubarMan

Yeah they will! I'm not too fond of being *pushed* but sometimes we all need that sometimes and you are right, in the end it will be helpful and a good thing :)

"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me" Phillipians 4:13"I shall call upon the name of the Lord who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies" Psalm 18:2-4"In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." Psalm 62:6-8"He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

I had an anterior lumbar fusion in 2007. My ordeal was awful. I waited way to long between the discectomy and the fusion. Had the worst sciatic pain imaginable. Before it was all done my wife had left me and i has to sell a house and acreage that I loved.

It has been a long, slow recovery but I'm back to work with the help of pain meds and muscle relaxers. I think the worst thing was the depression and the feeling of worthlessness that came with all of the other things surrounding the injury.

At the worst point I was taking 640mg of Oxycontin a day and Avinza on top of that. I was so fried but still in pain.

If something can corrupt you, you're corrupted already.

Bob Marley

“The duty of a patriot is to protect his country from its government.”THOMAS PAINE (1737-1809)

Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one. Bruce Lee

"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me" Phillipians 4:13"I shall call upon the name of the Lord who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies" Psalm 18:2-4"In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." Psalm 62:6-8"He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

I had an anterior lumbar fusion in 2007. My ordeal was awful. I waited way to long between the discectomy and the fusion. Had the worst sciatic pain imaginable. Before it was all done my wife had left me and i has to sell a house and acreage that I loved.

It has been a long, slow recovery but I'm back to work with the help of pain meds and muscle relaxers. I think the worst thing was the depression and the feeling of worthlessness that came with all of the other things surrounding the injury.

At the worst point I was taking 640mg of Oxycontin a day and Avinza on top of that. I was so fried but still in pain.

Quoting: The Dude Jeff

:( I am so sorry to hear you had a bad experience! I will keep you covered in prayers and if I can help you through this journey, please let me know :) Maybe we can help each other!

The recovery from any type of back surgery is long and hard. Much longer and harder than they foretell. The chronic pain is the worst part. Actually for me, it's neck in neck with being caught up in the workers comp system. The pain does cause so many negative feelings that are compounded by the fact you can't work and it affects EVERYTHING and EVERYONE around you! *sigh*, I know this fact all too well my friend!

I am so glad that you are back at work now! I suspect that with most people who undertake this surgery, chronic pain and medication become a necessity as much as we would not like to have that happen, it is probably more of a consequence/fact.

You were taking much more meds than I am on. I'm not sure I could tolerate that much! Right now i'm on 10 of Percocet and it throws me for a loop! You are right though, the pain is still there. It's all unfortunately a band-aid.

I do hope that you continue to feel better! Please feel free to PM me if we can help each other through any of this chaos!

God bless you my friend, my prayers are with you for a continued recovery and decrease in pain <3

"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me" Phillipians 4:13"I shall call upon the name of the Lord who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies" Psalm 18:2-4"In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." Psalm 62:6-8"He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

How nice to hear your soothing voice! Lol, You can count on me being here for you, but more importantly keeping you in my prayers, as always since day 1. :)

Much love to you forever. Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand;the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Quoting: AkelDama

Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1373078

Thank you for the bumps :)

"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me" Phillipians 4:13"I shall call upon the name of the Lord who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies" Psalm 18:2-4"In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." Psalm 62:6-8"He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

I'm 39 yr old female I had l3-s1 fused last July for spondy as well. Surgery was complete success I was in misery, I'm so happy to not be in pain. I dread the pain coming back, I would rather die than go through what I went thru pre surgery. I hope you have as much success as I've had.

I'm 39 yr old female I had l3-s1 fused last July for spondy as well. Surgery was complete success I was in misery, I'm so happy to not be in pain. I dread the pain coming back, I would rather die than go through what I went thru pre surgery. I hope you have as much success as I've had.

Quoting: wiede 4816922

YAY! Congrats to you my friend! Woohoo! So love hearing success stories! I am SO happy that you had a successful outcome and i'll keep you in my prayers that it is lasting! What a blessing!

Thank you for sharing your success with me and for the warm wishes!

Hugs and best of luck for continued success! What a wonderful feeing it must be, I can only imagine and hope that I get that experience in the very near future <3

"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me" Phillipians 4:13"I shall call upon the name of the Lord who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies" Psalm 18:2-4"In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." Psalm 62:6-8"He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

I love you my spiritual son ;) Thank you for all your support, love and encouragement! Check you gmail in about an hour, i'm sending you something.

Hugs...

xoxo

"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me" Phillipians 4:13"I shall call upon the name of the Lord who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies" Psalm 18:2-4"In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." Psalm 62:6-8"He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

I have been down this road more than once so I feel your pain. I would have advised not have a 360 fusion but when you said your vertebra was broken that changed my mind. I am sure the doctors have told you what to expect. You will need someone with you when you get home. Please don't lift anything more than a gallon of milk and that is after months of recovery. Please take my advice and get off the narcotics fast as possible. Narcotics caused me to have stress, depression and turned me into a zombie for over ten years until I decided I had enough of hell. You will need to ask around for ways to get off the narcotics once your body has healed enough for the last major hurdle. Your body will want those meds but activities like Qi Gong can have many positive effects on pain as well as herbs and plants.

I have been down this road more than once so I feel your pain. I would have advised not have a 360 fusion but when you said your vertebra was broken that changed my mind. I am sure the doctors have told you what to expect. You will need someone with you when you get home. Please don't lift anything more than a gallon of milk and that is after months of recovery. Please take my advice and get off the narcotics fast as possible. Narcotics caused me to have stress, depression and turned me into a zombie for over ten years until I decided I had enough of hell. You will need to ask around for ways to get off the narcotics once your body has healed enough for the last major hurdle. Your body will want those meds but activities like Qi Gong can have many positive effects on pain as well as herbs and plants.

Peace to you

Good Luck

Quoting: Amy_A

Amy,

Thank you SO much for sharing your story! I am so very sorry that you have had to endure similar! This is a path I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy! I totally understand your not advising anyone to have a 360, I too am not for it other than the fact, like you said, the vertebrae (pars) are broken and the vertebrae are just floating there moving around with every flexion and extension - compressing the canal. Sucks TBH. I wish there was another way.

Thank you so much for your advice! I talk any and all wisdom from those who have walked this road before me! It's really the only way to learn what is right and wrong during recovery! The narcotics are horrible! They are a demon and one I cannot wait to dispel. I have found that the Soma works sometimes for the pain better than the percocet (previously norco). This week I have really, really cut back on the pain meds with the hopes that it helps reduce what I need during my recovery time. Hopefully my tolerance will be decreased a tad. I've heard this is helpful so i've been trying really hard. I really hate the way they make me feel.

Thank you again my friend for your well wishes and for all the great advice. You are in my prayers my friend! I hope we can talk again soon!

Hugs

"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me" Phillipians 4:13"I shall call upon the name of the Lord who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies" Psalm 18:2-4"In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." Psalm 62:6-8"He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me" Phillipians 4:13"I shall call upon the name of the Lord who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies" Psalm 18:2-4"In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." Psalm 62:6-8"He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

I love you my spiritual son ;) Thank you for all your support, love and encouragement! Check you gmail in about an hour, i'm sending you something.

Hugs...

xoxo

Quoting: TrixieMama

My dearest Kim,

I'm afraid I didn't get any email from you. It is understandable though!!!!

You know I'm praying for you, each any every morning, each and every evening :)

You can do this

Quoting: AkelDama

My dearest D,

I emailed you that night and cannot access gmail anymore for whatever reason. Go back through your old emails from me, I gave you an alternate address in one of them, email me there, that email links to my phone and I can email you from the hospital. Hugs and love always...

xoxo

"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me" Phillipians 4:13"I shall call upon the name of the Lord who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies" Psalm 18:2-4"In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." Psalm 62:6-8"He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

Trixie, (Kim :D ) I prayed for you tonight as I watched your videos- You are an inspiration for all of us. I hope to hear your good news as soon as possible, because I know God will be with you every step of the way.

God Bless you and keep you in his wonderful arms- providing you comfort, peace and his everlasting love!

Hello my AMAZING friends! This is the first time i've logged on and posted since just before my surgery. I am rather heavily medicated and seeing double so I can't type well, as such, this will be short. Just wanted to post the new updated video's i've posted from the hospital. It's been a rough go and i'm still not feeling well. Tonight i'll try to make a better video. Sorry for the low quality of these, they were made in the hospital on my phone and Ipod.

"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me" Phillipians 4:13"I shall call upon the name of the Lord who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies" Psalm 18:2-4"In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." Psalm 62:6-8"He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

I was going to pull up the video thread to review your last video, when I noticed you are here doing it yourself.

I am so happy to hear a word from you, my friend. Now I will watch your videos as I sip my tea.

God's Peace be with you.:hgg7:

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24

"This man really is the Savior of the world!" John 4:42

Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. I am the Alpha and the Omega, " says the Lord God, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:7

Trixie, so good to see your video. You are really looking well, considering what you've been through. Glad you are up with the walker. You'll no doubt feel a little better every day. With your great attitude, there'll be no stopping you.

All the best wishes for a continued recovery.

NSC SPOKESMAN: Dude, This Was Like Two Years Ago.HOWARD DEAN: Benghazi is a laughable joke. (ARRRRRRRRRRRRR)HELLARY: What difference does it make?CARNEY: Benghazi happened a long time ago.CONGRESSMAN CUMMINGS: Death is a part of life.______________

As long as I am an American citizen and American blood runs in these veins I shall hold myself at liberty to speak, to write, and to publish whatever I please on any subject.” - Elijah Parish Lovejoy(1802-1837)

All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent...Thomas Jefferson

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government...Thomas Jefferson

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty...Thomas Jefferson

Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light...George Washington